Most great teams start with competition. This year, the Redskins have competition at almost every position on the team. For this first segment, let's focus on Offense.
Quarterback
Starter: Robert Griffin III
Back-Up: Kirk Cousins
Competition: Pat White vs Rex Grossman
Most of us expect to see a healthy 100% RG3 starting the regular season. Kirk Cousins will see most of the snaps in Pre-Season and is entrenched as the back-up QB. I am not sure the Redskins will keep a 3rd QB this season. Last year, Rex Grossman was the guy but this year, the Redskins brass brought in Pat White as competition. It is an interesting match up. Mobility and the ability to run the read option versus a much less mobile QB who knows the offense (that is, the pre-RG3 offense). No offense Rex, but I am pulling for Pat White, though I doubt they keep 3 QB's this year if RG3 is healthy. 3rd string...hopefully it will not matter.
Running Back
Starter: Alfred Morris
Competition: Roy Helu VS Evan Royster VS Chris Thompson VS Jawan Jamison
Alfred Morris proved last year that he can be one of the best RBs in the NFL and seems to be a lock for the starting spot. Besides Morris being the starter, the rest of the RB stable is up in the air. Roy Helu had a strong rookie showing, but has since been hobbled by injuries. If healthy, Helu will likely retain a back-up role. Evan Royster proved to be a good blocker and secure ball carrier, but didn't light the world on fire with his chances last year. Regardless, Royster is expected to compete for a back-up role this year. Chris Thompson and Jawan Jamison are rookie draft picks with tons of upside. Thompson is coming off injury, but has proved prior to that to be a home-run ball carrier who can break the big one at any time. Jamison was much of the same, showing good burst, just enough speed, and the one-cut running style that fits right into the Redskins offense. Either rookie could win a job...just look at what Morris did last year from the 6th round.
Full Back
Starter: Darrell Young
Competition: Eric Kettani
Young has developed into quite a well rounded FB, a position that seems to be dying out across the league. The Shannahan's do like and utilize the FB well...but they have another guys they like that will get a run at Young's job...Eric Kettani. After playing for Navy and serving his country as well, he is finally getting his shot at playing in the NFL. Though starting a little older than most, Kettani is strong, blocks well, plays special teams, and can carry the ball pretty well. I think if he plays well, contributes on special teams, stays healthy he very well might find himself on the 53 man roster...though, it would take some work to create the spot, it is possible (ex: Brandon Banks).
Wide Receiver
Starters: Pierre Garcon, Josh Morgan
Role Players: Santana Moss, Leonard Hankerson
Competition: Donte Stallworth VS Aldrick Robinson VS Dezmon Briscoe VS Devery Henderson
Wild Card/Rookies: Nick Williams, Chip Reeves, Skye Dawson, Lance Lewis
Redskins fans are lucky to have so much quality competition and veterans at the WR position. Garcon and Morgan are almost surely going to be the main guys on the roster and competition will fill the rest. Moss is a team favorite who has slimmed down and will be a fierce competitor. I expect Moss to dominate the slot for the Redskins this year. Leonard Hankerson has not lived up to expectations, but is a very talented receiver with possession and deep-threat skills. If Hankerson plays well this summer he could find himself a valuable part of the WR rotation. Donte Stallworth is an interesting signing. Stallworth is a proven veteran, deep-ball threat, and solid ST returner as well...his versatility and experience earned him a real shot at making the Redskins 53 man roster, but for that to happen, he will have to beat the socks off of several younger players. Aldrick Robinson has speed and ST return skills. If Robinson continues to progress he would likely beat out the competition for a reserve WR spot. Dezmon Briscoe is tall WR with long arms and decent release. The Redskins need a WR that can create match-up issues, but I doubt Briscoe can beat out the likes of Stallworth, Henderson, and Robinson. Devery Henderson is yet another interesting WR for the Redskins, who have a need for WR that can stretch the field. Henderson has proved to be a capable target downfield, but faces a host of talented competition at WR and may likely be job hunting before cut-downs are finished. There are four rookies working towards a roster spot...and though I do not think initially any of them will crack the 53 man roster, Skye Dawson, Lance Lewis, Nick Williams, and Chip Reeves were all stars in College and each has made some head-turning-plays in rookie camps...if any of the keep turning heads in Training Camp and Pre-Season and they will find a job, especially if there are any injuries.
Tight End
Starter: Fred Davis
Competition: Logan Paulson VS Jordan Reed VS Niles Paul
Wild Card/Rookies: Emmanuel Ogbuehi
If 100% healthy, Fred Davis seems to be a lock for the starting TE position. During training camp and Pre-Season, though, Paulson, Reed, Paul, and Ogbuehi will get most of the snaps. Paulson is a strong blocking TE with an addiction to the gym and deceivingly good hands. He may not be regarded as a receiving threat but he is a solid TE. Reed was a highly-regarded draft pick and could contribute right away, if healthy. Reed is coming off injury and will have to get playing time to earn a role in the offense. He is not overly flashy, but has great play-making ability and great hands. Niles Paul has just 1 year under his belt at TE. Though Paul made some outstanding plays in practice, it did not translate on the field...yet. Chemistry and rhythm are so important...the more Paul plays TE, the better he should get, as he is a dedicated hard worker and student of the game...add his special teams contributions and he is a keeper. Ogbuehi is an interesting FA Rookie out of Georgia. He is athletic and with quick feet...not to mention a decent wing span and catching ability. He is raw and unpolished but in this league, and especially with the Shannahan's, you just never know.
Offensive Line
Starters: Trent Williams (LT), Kory Lichtensteiger (LG), Will Montgomery (C), Chris Chester (RG), Tyler Polumbus (RT)
Competition: Tom Compton (LT), Maurice Hurt (G), Kevin Matthews (C), Josh LeRibeus (G), Jeremy Trueblood (RT), Tony Pashos (RT), Adam Gettis (G)
Wild Card/Rookies: Xavier Nixon (RT), Jacolby Ashworth (T), Tevita Stevens (G/C)
Williams, Lichtensteiger, Montgomery and Chester seem to be a lock to start. Polumbus had some rough starts last year and the Redskins are hoping to see improvement out of that position. Trueblood and Pashos were brought in to compete for the starting spot. Trueblood is big and fairly nimble but still needs some technique work and to learn the system. Pashos was out of football in 2012, but was a consistent starter prior to that. Nixon was a FA rookie with great physical presence and decent blocking skills. He has experience with zone-blocking. I believe Nixon is already turning heads and may work his way into that RT position before the season is over if not earlier. Ashworth and Stevens are both good fits for the system with many college starts...either could progress into starters, but may have to wait a season or two.
Coming Soon....Defensive Position Battles!
Hail to the Redskins!
No comments:
Post a Comment